Jamie Ramsey: My Favorite Opening Day Memory

As a kid growing up in Reds Country, I never missed watching a Cincinnati Opening Day on TV. It wasn’t until 1998 that I finally got to "attend" my first lid-lifter, but not as a fan, rather as a tuxedoed-member of the Reds Ground Crew. Yep, I was one of those dudes in tennis shoes and formal wear, pushing dirt around the Riverfront Stadium playing field. One of my first assignments that day consisted of holding the leash of a very well-known St. Bernard while its owner hobnobbed with the pregame VIPs.

Because the Riverfront Stadium (at that time it was called "Cinergy Field" ) playing surface was made of synthetic plastic, the Findlay Market Parade was encouraged to use the field as its own personal playground. Elephants, Clydesdales, lions and tigers and bears; the small victory I celebrated in not having to "clean up" after Schottzie was very short-lived. But the guys in those fast little Corvettes helped make it all worth-while.

I'll never forget that Opening Day because it was my first and I had the best seat in the house.

Jamie Ramsey works for the Cincinnati Reds as assistant director of media relations. Born and raised in nearby Hamilton, OH, he began his tenure with the Reds in 1997 as a member of the ground crew at Cinergy Field. After a lengthy battle with college, Jamie was hired in the Reds front office in 2000. Since 2001, he has worked for the venerable Rob Butcher in the Reds media relations department. Jamie lives in Cincinnati and enjoys listening to only the finest music. Some of his favorite things include: his cats Grace and Scout (Jean Louise), hanging out with hobos by the railroad tracks, yoga, arm wrestling and Marty Brennaman's collection of butterflies.